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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021_03_02 - RegularMINUTES Regular meetings of the City Council and the Board of Directors of the Successor Agency of the former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, on March 2, 2021 at 5 00 P M Present Staff Paul Banch, Mayor Eddie Tejeda, Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Foster, Council Member Denise Davis, Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, Council Member Charles M Duggan, Jr , City Manager, Dan McHugh, City Attorney, Robert Dawes, City Treasurer, Jeanne Donaldson, City Clerk, Carl Baker, Public Information Officer, Chris Catren, Police Chief, Danielle Garcia, Management Services/Finance Director, Chns Boatman, Facilities and Community Services Director, Brian Desatnik, Development Services Director, Jim Topoleski, Fire Chief, John Harris, Municipal Utilities and Engineenng Director, Janice McConnell, Assistant City Manager This was conducted as a teleconference meeting in the City Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, Redlands, California Mayor Pro Tempore Tejeda and Council Members Foster, Davis and Guzman -Lowery were present via teleconferencing All votes during the meetings were conducted by roll call In compliance with public health recommendations to limit public gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic and acting as the City of Redlands Emergency Services Director, City Manager Charles M Duggan Jr , directed meetings of the City Council/Successor Agency of the former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Redlands be closed to the public until further notice or until the current local State of Emergency has been lifted The City Council will continue to meet to conduct essential business Public comments, up to 250 words and received by 5 00 P M the day before the meeting, was read aloud by the City Clerk Mayor Banch called the meeting to order at 5 00 P M and a quorum was established PUBLIC COMMENT No public comments related to Closed Session agenda items were received by 5 00 P M the day before the meeting CLOSED SESSION Conference with real property negotiators - Government Code §54956 8 (Facilities and Community Services Director Boatman) Property APN 0168-031-12-0000 Agency Negotiators Charles M Duggan, Jr and Chns Boatman Negotiating Party Eric Paul Under Negotiation Terms of payment and pace of possible lease of City property CC_SA_March 2, 2021 Page 1 Conference with real property negotiators - Government Code §54956 8 (Facilities and Community Services Director Boatman) Property APNs 0292-041-08-0000, 0292-041-38-0000,0292-041-08-44-0000 Agency Negotiators Charles M Duggan, Jr , Chns Boatman Negotiating Parties Tim Howard, of Howard Industrial Partner John Privett, of Transwestern Development Company Larry Cochrun, of LDC Industrial Realty, LLC Under Negotiation 1 Terms of payment and pnce of possible purchase of City property Conference with labor negotiator - Government Code §54957 6 (Assistant City Manager McConnell) Agency Negotiator Employee Organization Charles M Duggan, Jr , Daniel J McHugh, and Janice McConnell Redlands Professional Firefighters Association RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING The meeting reconvened at 6 00 P M with an invocation by Council Member Foster followed by the pledge of allegiance to the American flag LATE BREAKING ITEM Mayor Banch reviewed the need to take immediate action to approve an agenda item be added for Council's consideration related to a letter of support calling on the U S Senate to swiftly pass H R 1319, the American Rescue plan Act of 2021 which includes a $350 billion in direct and flexible aid for state and local government On motion of Mayor Banch, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Tejeda, the City Council, by roll call vote, unanimously agreed to add the "late breaking" item to the agenda for discussion, as Agenda Item I-5 CLOSED SESSION REPORT City Attorney McHugh announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed session PUBLIC COMMENT All public comment received by 5 00 P M the day before the meeting were read into the public record at the meeting Comments related to specific agenda items are incorporated into the item discussion TVSP and Measure T Advisory Committee - Dennis Bell raised questions related to the recent Transit Village Specific Plan (TVSP) presentation made during the Special Joint Council and Planning Commission meeting, wondering who will live m transit villages and will the City's consultant or any member of the Council or Planning Commission reside in one? Other concerns centered on eminent domain, how the Housing Element will mesh with the TVSP, and affordable and low-income housing He would like to see the Measure 'T' Advisory Committee provide bi-annual written reports not just an annual report CC_SA_March 2, 2021 Page 2 Council Code of Conduct - Jennifer Kim requested the Council establish an appropriate policy on professionalism and decorum amongst Council Members, in light of the recent verbal attacks against Council Member Davis, and she recommended the Council continue to serve Redlands with every resident in mind to make this a more inclusive and equitable town Professionalism - Two people requested the Council manage the City's business professionally Adonia Carter expressed her support of Ms Davis as someone who has been an advocate of change and has persisted through challenges, showing professionalism, and she urged the Council Members to stop personal attacks made against her and get back to working for the people As a small business CEO in Redlands, Rhonda Nelson was surpnsed and embarrassed regarding the lack of professional behavior and equity displayed dunng recent Council meetings, and she thought Mr Tejeda's behavior was reprehensible She recommended Council Members should be more transparent and represent the City with current values and business practices instead of continuing patriarchal values and alliances of yesteryear CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the minutes of the regular meeting of February 16, 2021 Vote. 5 - 0 Passed Historic and Scenic Preservation Commissioner Appointment On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously appointed, by roll call vote, Rose -Mane Raumm, Ph D to serve a four-year term on the Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission ending January 18, 2025 Vote 5 - 0 Passed Resolution Nos 8169 and 8173 CONFIRE On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No 8169 to authorize the addition of the City of Victorville Fire Department as a Member Agency of the Consolidated Fire Agencies, CONFIRE, and Resolution No 8173 to authorize a Third Amendment to o the Consolidated Fire Agencies, CONFIRE, Joint Powers Agreement Vote 5 - 0 Passed Enterprise License Agreement Amendment Council Member Davis commended Esr for their generosity and explained that the First Amendment to the Enterprise License Agreement with Esri will add the license for ArcGIS Hub Premium at no cost to the City She thanked City Manager Duggan, Director Garcia and staff for their efforts in this matter CC_SA_March 2, 2021 Page 3 On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to the Enterprise License Agreement with Esn to add the license for ArcGIS Hub Premium at no cost Vote• 5 - 0 Passed Orange Street Alley License Agreement On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the License Agreement is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301(a) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, and approved the License Agreement with Cheesewalla, Inc for outdoor dining operations within the Orange Street Alley Vote• 5 - 0 Passed Ommtrans Funding Agreement Senior Transportation Program On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the agreement is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, approved a two-year Funding Agreement with Ommtrans for Senior Transportation Program Services in an amount not to exceed $150,709 29, and approved an additional appropriation of the same Vote 5 - 0 Passed On -Call Building Plan Review Amendment On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to a Professional Services Agreement with Bureau Verrtas for the provision of on -call building plan review, building inspection and CASp consulting services to allow for an increase of the annual not -to -exceed amount from $25,000 to $75,000 Vote 5 - 0 Passed Tolling Agreement for Damages to Real Property On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a Tolling Agreement with Miller and Associates relating to a claim for damages to real property at 611 W Redlands Boulevard The agreement will provide staff the time necessary to conduct an assessment without prejudicing the rights of the respective parties Vote 5 - 0 Passed CC_SA_March 2, 2021 Page 4 Resolution No 8171 CFD Annexation No 23 On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, the proposed project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, and approved Resolution No 8171, declaring intention to annex territory into Community Facilities District 2004-1 Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Resolution No 8174 Traffic Regulations Stop Sign On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of Resolution No 8174 is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301(c) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, and approved Resolution No 8174 for the installation of a stop sign on Pacific Street at its intersection with Ridge Street Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Water Infrastructure Repair Payment On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the payment of the assessment is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, and approved payment of shareholder assessment No 310 levied by South Mountain Water Company to fund water infrastructure repairs in the amount of $91,100 Vote• 5 - 0 Passed Reconciliation & Settlement Agreement SBCCD On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that this action is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, and approved a Reconciliation and Settlement Agreement with the San Bernardino Community College District relating to non -potable water and electrical usage Vote 5 - 0 Passed COMMUNICATIONS CC_SA_March 2, 2021 Page 5 COVID-19 Update Fire Chief Topoleski presented an update related to the COVID-19 pandemic, reviewing statistics for Redlands He pointed out San Bernardino County numbers were shifting in a positive direction, and he was hopeful the County would be able to move into the 'red tier' soon, allowing for a loosening of some restrictions currently in place He reiterated the Fire Department was continuing to collaboratively work with community partners, including Redlands Community Hospital, Redlands Unified School District, Esri and the University of Redlands to prepare sites for the administration of vaccinations He said the state is shifting to a third -party administrator who will distribute the vaccines Approximately 14,000 vaccinations have been administered to date in the greater Redlands area Fee Waiver Policy Council Member Foster requested this item be added to the agenda, so that Council could consider establishing a fee waiver policy in advance of the City reopening from COVID-19 restrictions currently in place He thought it prudent to begin discussions, as he had already been approached by a few community organizations requesting clanfication concerning fee waivers for the next fiscal year He suggested Council establish a sub -committee to develop a policy and bnng back their recommendations to the full Council no later than May 4, 2021 Mayor Barich added that he was not in favor of waiving fees in general but wasn't opposed to forming a sub -committee to consider the matter On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously agreed, by roll call vote, to establish a sub -committee, of Mayor Pro Tem Tejeda and Council Member Foster, to develop a fee waiver policy and bring their recommendation back to the full Council no later than May 4, 2021 Vote 5 - 0 Passed Municipal Utilities/Public Works Commission Annual Report Chairperson Adekunle Ojo, representing the Municipal Utihties/Public Works Commission, provided a summary of accomplishments for the year and listed goals for the future Activities included Guided the implementation of the updated Pavement Management Program, Collaborated with staff on water & sewer pipeline replacement projects, Advised staff on Phases lA & 1B Upgrades for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Recommended updates of the water and sewer master plans, Supported the Utilities Advisory Committee's rate recommendations following their rate study of wastewater, potable & non-potable/recycled water Goals for 2021 were Advise staff on continued Pavement Management Program, Provide guidance on WWTP upgrades, Review studies and proposals related to rates & fees charged to public (e g , water, sewer, solid waste & impact development fees), Consult with staff on master plan updates for water, wastewater, & non -potable water, Provide recommendations as it relates to upcoming regulations for safe drinking water, long-term conservation, solid waste & recycling programs, Ensure capital improvement projects align with the City's General Plan Mayor Banch and Mayor Pro Tempore Tejeda commended the Commissioners for their dedication to serve the City, giving of their time and expertise As public comment, Dennis Bell stated the City used deceitful reasons to justify a trash rate surcharge to pay for PARIS, and he questioned whether the City's trash trucks were really tearing up the streets He urged for an end to the trash rate surcharge and added the City should be utilizing CC_SA_March 2, 2021 Page 6 funds from Measure `I' and SB 1 to pay for streets FY 2020-21 Mid -Year General Fund Budget Review Management Services/Finance Director Garcia stated the financial position of the General Fund had improved from the initial projections made last year m response to COVID-19 The City's revenues have proven to be more resilient than forecasted and have exceeded expectations In addition, the City was awarded roughly $1 7 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds and upon approval by the voters in November 2020, Measure T's one -cent sales tax will be implemented starting April 1, 2021 This will provide a full quarter of Measure T revenue during the last three months of the fiscal year, conservatively estimated at roughly $1 9 million Staffing restored or to be restored Two full time police dispatchers, One Police forensic specialist, One senior code enforcement officer, One grounds maintenance worker, Four firefighter / paramedic positions, Additional funding to part-time staffing for the Library to restore Sunday business hours (temporary basis) Capital / Repair & Maintenance items to be restored 17 Police Pursuit & Passenger Vehicles, 3 Fire Department Vehicles, 3 Fire Engines, FCS expenses to maintain trees & streets, repair buildings, COVID protocols Council Member Foster thanked City Manager Duggan and Director Garcia and staff for fulfilling his request for information related to the positions and services that were originally cut last year On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, additional appropriations and adjustments as outlined in Attachment A-1 FY 2020-21 Mid -Year Adjustments for the General Fund Vote 5 - 0 Passed Late Breaking - Support of H R 1319 Amencan Rescue Plan Act City Manager Duggan explained the letter of support calls on the U S Senate to pass H R 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which includes $350 billion in direct and flexible aid for states and local government The House of Representatives voted to pass the Bill on February 27, 2021, and it now will be going to the Senate The estimated relief amount for the city is $13,460,756 On motion of Mayor Barich, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the letter of support calling on the U S Senate to pass H R 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which includes $350 billion in direct and flexible aid for states and local government Vote 5 - 0 Passed NEW BUSINESS Resolution No 8172 Historic Design Guidelines Development Services Director Desatnik introduced the Historic Design Guidelines, explaining the work had been going on over the past couple of years with a number of public meetings held early on in the process Histonc and Scenic Preservation Commission approved and recommended the document on September 3, 2020 Loralee Farris, of Development Services, provided a detailed presentation of the proposed Guidelines The Guide was meant to be used as a reference for local property owners, development and design professionals, City staff, and decision -makers in planning, approving, and implementing projects mvolvmg the preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of historic buildings Design guidelines are one of the many tools in the urban planning CC_SA_March 2, 2021 Page 7 toolkit that are used to educate and encourage property owners to preserve, repair, and reuse historic buildings for the enhancement of the broader community The purpose of the Redlands Historic Architectural Design Guidelines was to preserve the historic and architectural character of the city by providing historic preservation standards and resources for property owners and/or design professionals planning a historic building project The guidelines will also be used by the City of Redlands Planning Department and the Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission in evaluating such projects Ms Farris stated the Guidelines do not change any procedures for processing of projects or require new applications for projects that aren't already required As public comment, Dennis Bell was disappointed the City only gave the public six days to digest the Histonc Design Guidelines because it was such a lengthy document (over 300 pages) He wondered how many members of the City Council had read it, and in his opinion, the document was what he called "pie -in -the -sky" including the use of Measure `T' funds to implement it Steve Spiller, Redlands Area Historical Society President, stated he has been supportive of the City adopting design guidelines for historic properties for many years, adding the proposed document was comprehensive, but he mentioned it contained some ambiguities in language concerning applicability, definitions of historic structures, and design review process The Society supported a continuance Bettina McLeod, Charles Convis, Renae Reiswig, Laurie Cosme and Hazel Fulle desired more time to review the document, understand how their property rights might be impacted and requested Council delay a vote on the matter until at least April Kathy Behrens said the document appeared to be very comprehensive and thorough, but she also requested Council push back adoption till next month to give a wider group of people a chance to review it more thoroughly and raise questions regarding its content and usage Ruth Cook was not opposed to revising and updating the Historical Architectural Design Guidelines, but she urged for more community involvement and input, adding residents of designated areas should be able to provide feedback on the process before the Guideline are put into place Council Member Foster briefly provided contextual background of the efforts to develop guidelines He added he had been in communication with members of the Redlands Conservancy, and they also requested additional time for review On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously agreed, by roll call vote, to continue consideration of Resolution No 8172, the adoption of the Historic Design Guidelines, to the Council meeting scheduled for Apnl 20, 2021, and allow the public more time to review the document and provide feedback Vote. 5 - 0 Passed Resolution No 8166 Sustainable Mobility Plan Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris presented a timeline related to the development of the Sustainable Mobility Plan and recapped a yearlong effort The Sustainable Mobility Plan promotes citywide walking, biking, and transit connections for all residents, including communities that currently have limited access and choices The SMP outlines a strategy that includes balancing street design for use by people, cars, bicyclists, children, seniors, and bus/rail users and coordinates with other City plans such as the Bicycle Master Plan, the Orange Blossom Trail Plan, related work completed on the draft Transit Villages Specific Plan, and will help implement the environmental goals in the Climate Action Plan The SMP is funded by the Sustainable Planning Grant provided by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Benefits of the Plan include SCAG will place pnonty on projects that are consistent with plans adopted by local and regional governments within the county where the project is located and beginning in 2023, Active Transportation Program (ATP) nominated projects that are included in an adopted active transportation plan or similar plan will be awarded additional points As public comment, Dennis Bell was disappointed the City only gave the public six days to digest CC_SA_March 2, 2021 Page 8 the Sustainable Mobility Plan because it was such a lengthy document (over 300 pages) He wondered how many members of the Council had read it, and in his opinion, the document was what he called "pie -in -the -sky", including the use of Measure `T' funds to implement it On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No 8166, adopting the Sustainable Mobility Plan, and determined that this action is not subject to environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act Vote 5 - 0 Passed San Bernardino Basin Groundwater Agreement Municipal Utilities and Engineenng Director Harris presented the need for the San Bernardino Basin Groundwater Council Framework Agreement for participation in the management, replenishment, and preservation of groundwater supply and quality of the Bunker Hill sub -basin of the Upper Santa Ana Valley Basin Mayor Pro Tempore Tejeda asked for clarification as to why the City's portion of fees was proportionally low in comparison to the amount of water usage and Director Harris explained the City has been smart in the use of water and this drives the membership fees Groundwater Council members pay annual fees based on an equitable cost allocation method, which proportions costs based on each member's water budget gap between demand and supply and proportion of use in the Basin This method "credits" agencies for water use efficiency and prior investments (surface water and recycled water), and each agency may provide water, cash, or a combination to meet its GC obligation For example, Redlands water use accounts for approximately sixteen percent (16%) of 2014-2018 average SBBA pumping, and is obligated to pay only seven percent (7%) of total GC costs due to its prior investments On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the Agreement is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, approved the San Bernardino Basin Groundwater Council Framework Agreement for participation in the management, replenishment, and preservation of groundwater supply and quality of the Bunker Hill sub -basin of the Upper Santa Ana Valley Basin, and approved an additional appropriation of $141,230 from the Water Fund Cash Balance for membership fees Vote: 5 - 0 Passed CDBG Public Service Agency Agreements Janet Miller, of Development Services, introduced the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) COVID-19 Program and explained the City received a third round of CDBG, Coronavirus funds referred to as CDBG-CV3 The allocation is authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), with funding from the U S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and will be administered by the County through its Urban County/entitlement status Redlands is a Participating Junsdiction in the County program and will receive a CDBG-CV3 allocation in the amount of $290,920 Similar to funds the City received in May 2020, the CDBG-CV3 funds must be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) Applications were submitted for the following services Senior Division's COVID-19 Senior Transportation Program, Senior Division's COVID-19 Senior Care Package Program, Inland Temporary Homes dba Inland Housing Solutions' Eviction Prevention CC_SA_March 2, 2021 Page 9 Assistance Program, and Family Service Association of Redlands' COVID-19 Emergency Food Distribution and Rental Assistance Program On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously directed staff, by roll call vote, to prepare Community Development Block Grant COVID-19 (CDBG-CV3) Program Cooperating City Recommended Projects Form including the four projects outlined in this report and to submit it to the County of San Bernardino, Community Development and Housing Division prior to the March 15, 2021 deadline, authorized the City Manager to execute a CDBG-CV3 Subrecipient Agreement with the recommended public service agencies, and authonzed an Additional Appropriation in the amount of $290,920 in FY 2020-2021 Vote: 5 - 0 Passed COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES Council Member Davis participated in the downtown walking tour conducted by Director Desatnik, and she met with some faculty members from the University of Redlands faculty to discuss a code of conduct for City Council meetings Mayor Banch also thanked Director Desatnik for conducting the downtown walking tour ADJOURNMENT There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 7 34 P M The next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on March 16, 2021 SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF REDLANDS Chairman Banch called the regular meeting to order PUBLIC COMMENT No public comments related to the Successor Agency agenda items were received by 5 00 P M the day before the meeting Minutes On motion of Board Member Foster, seconded by Board Member Davis, the minutes of the special meeting of February 16, 2021 were unanimously approved by roll call vote Vote 5 - 0 Passed ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency adjourned at 7 35 P M The next regular meeting of the Agency will be held on April 6, 2021 CC_SA_March 2, 2021 Page 10